I have a similar story to yours. I took delivery of a 2024 RAV4 Prime XSE with premium package, color is the same, Wind Chill Pearl Midnight Black Metallic. I was working with two different dealerships and just happened to call when a RAV4 that was on the lot became available because the buyer backed out of his order. I’m a Toyota retiree that gets discounts on most models. I had to rush down to look at the car and sign a contract. The RAV also had dealer options added that brought the price up to $55,138 but it was worth every cent I spent. Your comparison of the two different models was excellent but you didn’t mention the paddles and sequential shifter options that can extend the miles/kWh by 10 to 15 percent and is a great way to get the full advantage of regenerative braking. This also extends the life of the brake pads and all associated mechanical parts. I get between 42 and 45 mile on a single full charge of the battery.
Probably weather related, but I'm currently getting closer to 48! Thanks for the feedback -- and congrats on yours! I really do love this vehicle... very few complaints. I'm working on a full review video of my 2024 model, but as you said, it was worth every penny by my judgment. I suspect it will likely last me a very long time also considering the reduced wear on the ICE components and the Toyota badge. The only thing I think I wish I had was a Silver or Red exterior instead of the white (it just gets dirty relatively quickly and IMHO looks great, but not as stunning ;-)
I've found another great use for the digital rear view mirror. (I generally don't use it a lot because of the depth of focus issue - out the windshield to mirror, etc) BUT - the digital camera view can be panned over quite a bit toward the passenger side - well into the otherwise blind spot area, (The lens is right there at the rear window ) so I really like it in congested city driving (Anchorage dt). It really helps me keep an eye on that area beyond that rear roof pillar. Loving my R4P 2024. Last car I'll own. Excellent reviews Sir!
I've also noticed that wide viewing angle! It truly is a great tool to have for specific circumstances. I feel as though the gap between Lexus and Toyota has narrowed considerably in recent years. There are not many features I'd like to have that don't already exist in this vehicle. Thanks for watching!
Great questions! We actually just discussed this, and the answers are-surprisingly-no and no. It doesn't seem much if any hotter (though it MUST be I would think), and there's still tons of headroom. I haven't measured either, but I can tell you that neither seems to be an issue.
@@nana10221honestly, I think I still really like my wife's Silver Sky Metallic a slight bit more than my Wind Chill Pearl (Pearl White), but Supersonic Red looks incredible also if you don't mind going all-in on full sport look. I just think it's a pretty sharp looking vehicle in general in spite of its aging model revision. For what it's worth, I have received multiple comments already from people about how sharp the white looks, unprompted
One thing that I found is that the quality and size of the HUD really does not come through well on youtube videos. I test drove a 24 Santa Fe while I was waiting for my Prime and thought the HUD on that was way better than what I had seen from videos of the Prime; but I was happily surprised to find that the Prime's HUD is at least as good, if not better, than the one in the Santa Fe.
Yes, the HUD is absolutely terrific IMHO. Plus, you can adjust brightness, position, and various other features. I'll be making a video about the PP configuration options soon enough for everyone to digest :-)
Just watched your overview of your 2023 RAV4 PRIME XSE last week and now you got a 2024 with PP! That's wild luck... They're great cars like you said. What other add-ons did they make you take besides PP? Are they worth it? And as a tech guy, loving your content! Please continue making more. Would love to hear your thoughts if you've gotten a roof rack or any load over that pano sun/moonroof.
Hey, thanks man, that really means a lot! Yeah, it was crazy luck. I did have to pay for a couple of really stupid things that, had I been in a more confrontational mood I probably would have disputed, but it was pretty clear that they were aware of the fact that they were going to sell this vehicle whether or not I was the buyer, and so i took my lumps and swallowed this "Pulse" brake light modification that basically flickers the brake lights to render it more obvious to trailing vehicles, along with an interior leatherette protection agreement for 7 years or something like that. I told him not to apply the compound, just charge me for the warranty, lol. By my logic, the additions of the premium package were well worth at least a couple thousand dollars more than the asking price anyway, so frankly I was happy to part with just short of $50,000 to have every single thing I was after in the vehicle. I haven't tried roof racks or anything of the sort yet. In fact, that's one of the options that I had removed from the first Prime I purchased, mostly due to the reported wind noise increase that they result in at higher speeds. I doubt I'll be hauling anything large enough to require that sort of setup, so unfortunately I probably won't do a lot of testing in that regard. There's a surprising amount of cargo space in this sucker anyway, and were it not for the fact that a family of five humans involves three of them sitting in very close proximity in the rear seat, we probably just stick with this 2x Prime setup instead of ever springing for the Highlander. Haha! Glad you're enjoying the content though, and I appreciate you watching! I'll try to keep pumping it out, and maybe one day it'll pay for a couple of meals per month. 😂
Thank you for making this video. I'm on the fence about waiting for a RAV4 Prime XSE w/ PP or just getting a regular Rav4 Prime XSE. Can you do a comparison of the MPG/MPGe between both Rav4 Primes?
I actually do plan to do that video, but there's a problem: The 2023 RAV4 Prime XSE I own currently has Michelin CrossClimate 2 tires installed, which absolutely do affect fuel economy. So the video is actually probably going to be framed more in context with how much those particular tires affect fuel economy along the exact same route and the exact same conditions.
@thechosenone236 Oh, now that you mention it, I guess that is technically a six-way, isn't it? That's a cool little bonus feature. Can anyone confirm if it was the same way in the 2023 model?
The reason no one has commented on it is that there are not. The only place you can get the motorized mirrors as far as I know is in Europe. I'm not sure why there is a difference in trim lines but that's just how it is.
@@OtherSteve Thanks! I believe most like you are correct. As my local Toyota dealer was not able to give me a definitive answer; the only "place" gave a 100% assurance of this availability was ChatGPT. It showed how much one can trust the AI based sites.
If you do a quick search on YT, you'll find several videos of where owners have added the power folding mirrors. I was disappointed too when I found out that "power heated mirrors with folding feature" meant the folding is manual. Also wish they were auto-dimming.
Hi, Just got a white with a premium package. Noticed some strange sound. Do you notice a clunking sound from the break paddle area right before coming to a complete stop? It doesn't do it all the time. Thank you.
I don't...think so. But it does make some uncommon noises when braking occasionally, primarily because (I believe) the hybrid braking system is not a conventional braking system. Also, when hitting a particularly rough spot with one wheel, the vehicle will reliably and briefly emit an alarming-sounding scraping noise that's actually just the hyperactive ABS at work. TL;DR: It's probably fine
Thank you. Does your infotainment system screen go to the night and day model automatically? My doesn't even after I set the time zone to auto. Thanks.
@nana10221 Yes it does-you will need to make sure the little rotary dial to the left of your steering wheel is not turned all the way to the extreme setting. Doing so forces the daytime setting across all of the infotainment and dash systems. I'm going to be doing another tips and tricks video pretty soon here with some stuff about this and some other items so keep an eye out for it!
@OtherSteve thank you. If you could talk about all the different sounds coming from the break while inside the car, that would be great also. I know a lot of first time buyer are very worried if these sounds are normal as a first time buyer.
Oof I’m deciding between silver and windchill white as well. Any preference ? I feel like most cars in California are white due to heat and I usually get silver.
I honestly actually think I prefer the white thanks to the two-tone shiny black dynamic. Plus, it's Pearl White, which has that glittery sheen to it. It's pretty striking
No thanks to buying the first revision of an automobile. I wouldn't even consider it until 2026 at earliest, probably 2027. Assuming 2025 is even a redesign. Am I crazy, or aren't you the same guy who made exactly the same claim a year ago about 2024 models?
@@OtherSteve No. Toyota is announcing at the auto show in November. Shipping will commence the last quarter of 2025 as a 2026 model. I would never want the old edition of any vehicle. Never worry about the first revision of any Toyota. I think you might be losing it! 😂
@@nana10221 Exactly. The official Toyota product launch announcement is at the LA auto show in November. The RAV4 production supply commences summer 2025 as a 2026 model. ✅
Yeah, I mean, you can wait forever if you convince yourself it's worth waiting. Personally, I have nearly zero complaints about this vehicle, and it's a tried and true long in the tooth model, too. The new tech that was demoed last year has mostly had its kinks worked out, and while I'm sure they'll make improvements for the 2026 model, I'm perfectly happy with all of the stuff in this 2024.
I have the same 2023 silver car xse only got in July 2023. Very cool you were able to upgrade to the PP. I live in Connecticut and now I been seeing more with the PP at dealerships. It would be cool to upgrade to the pp with all those extra features. Some of them should have come with of the regular XSE. I do get a new iPhone every year and I just bought the visions pro but I would need to stick with my XSE without the pp. I bought the car when I just turned 51 so if I go by what my grandfather told me when I was a kid that you keep a car for at least 10 years my next car will have to wait until I'm 61 and hopefully there would be more Tec and I am not to old to figure out how to use them. I also put PPF on the front of the car which was also costly also installed front and back camera. I feel your excitement and I wish you the best with your new toy and would also like to hear about the highlander when you get it.
@@nana10221that’s an amazing deal. What would be the MSRP? I’m getting about $2700 off MSRP in SoCal and that’s about the best I could do after reaching to many many dealers
The POI items however, are not optional. If they are on the window sticker, they are installed once the vehicle arrives at the port of entry in the US (e.g. Oregon) by the distributor. Could dealers remove them after the vehicle arrives onsite? For things like crossbars and door edge guards, sure, but most will not as technically those accessories are now used and therefore not covered under OEM warranty if resold, which would make them a hard sell for most consumers. But in negotiations, anything is possible.
@autojunkie9947 Most dealers now add their own accessories as well yes at thier dealership, like tracking device services. I negotiated on a Camry once and wouldn't buy it unless they un-installed it.
Pretty sure prices over there are actually better-but keep in mind, I'm factoring in the Lease Cash backdoor tax credit discount that Toyota offers. I halfway considered flying out to pick one up or possibly having it delivered, but this wasn't originally in the plans. I got the text and had to bite. Over here, they're impossible to obtain 😁
@@PostprandialTorpor that sucks man! I know how you feel. It took me forever to find my first one. And then of course this one literally just fell into my lap. What a crazy 72 hours it's been!
@@OtherSteve Hi, we are hoping to purchase in October, likely having to travel to the East Coast from the Midwest to purchase due to low supply in the Midwest as well. Can you explain the Lease Cash back door tax credit discount, and then how you paid it off. Thinking this may be the way to go!
@@noraclarke oh it's definitely the way to go. It's easy: make sure the $6500 promo is available in the state you purchase... then lease the vehicle instead of purchasing, wait a couple of weeks to receive the lease paperwork from TFS directly in the mail, then contact them and ask for a Lease End Specialist, who will give you the final payoff amount minus fees, which you will *not* owe due to paying early. Write a check, fill out the forms they send you, mail it in, and wait for the title to arrive in the mail (which takes months typically). You will save $5k+ on the vehicle.
I have a similar story to yours. I took delivery of a 2024 RAV4 Prime XSE with premium package, color is the same, Wind Chill Pearl Midnight Black Metallic. I was working with two different dealerships and just happened to call when a RAV4 that was on the lot became available because the buyer backed out of his order. I’m a Toyota retiree that gets discounts on most models. I had to rush down to look at the car and sign a contract. The RAV also had dealer options added that brought the price up to $55,138 but it was worth every cent I spent.
Your comparison of the two different models was excellent but you didn’t mention the paddles and sequential shifter options that can extend the miles/kWh by 10 to 15 percent and is a great way to get the full advantage of regenerative braking. This also extends the life of the brake pads and all associated mechanical parts. I get between 42 and 45 mile on a single full charge of the battery.
Probably weather related, but I'm currently getting closer to 48!
Thanks for the feedback -- and congrats on yours! I really do love this vehicle... very few complaints. I'm working on a full review video of my 2024 model, but as you said, it was worth every penny by my judgment. I suspect it will likely last me a very long time also considering the reduced wear on the ICE components and the Toyota badge. The only thing I think I wish I had was a Silver or Red exterior instead of the white (it just gets dirty relatively quickly and IMHO looks great, but not as stunning ;-)
I've found another great use for the digital rear view mirror. (I generally don't use it a lot because of the depth of focus issue - out the windshield to mirror, etc) BUT - the digital camera view can be panned over quite a bit toward the passenger side - well into the otherwise blind spot area, (The lens is right there at the rear window ) so I really like it in congested city driving (Anchorage dt). It really helps me keep an eye on that area beyond that rear roof pillar.
Loving my R4P 2024. Last car I'll own.
Excellent reviews Sir!
I've also noticed that wide viewing angle! It truly is a great tool to have for specific circumstances.
I feel as though the gap between Lexus and Toyota has narrowed considerably in recent years. There are not many features I'd like to have that don't already exist in this vehicle.
Thanks for watching!
Hi,
Do you feel less head room due to the panoramic sunroof in the premium package? And do you feel the car gets hotter because of it? Thanks.
Great questions! We actually just discussed this, and the answers are-surprisingly-no and no. It doesn't seem much if any hotter (though it MUST be I would think), and there's still tons of headroom. I haven't measured either, but I can tell you that neither seems to be an issue.
@OtherSteve thank you so much for your feedback. Which color do you think looks best for the rav4 prime?
@@nana10221honestly, I think I still really like my wife's Silver Sky Metallic a slight bit more than my Wind Chill Pearl (Pearl White), but Supersonic Red looks incredible also if you don't mind going all-in on full sport look. I just think it's a pretty sharp looking vehicle in general in spite of its aging model revision. For what it's worth, I have received multiple comments already from people about how sharp the white looks, unprompted
One thing that I found is that the quality and size of the HUD really does not come through well on youtube videos. I test drove a 24 Santa Fe while I was waiting for my Prime and thought the HUD on that was way better than what I had seen from videos of the Prime; but I was happily surprised to find that the Prime's HUD is at least as good, if not better, than the one in the Santa Fe.
Yes, the HUD is absolutely terrific IMHO. Plus, you can adjust brightness, position, and various other features. I'll be making a video about the PP configuration options soon enough for everyone to digest :-)
Just watched your overview of your 2023 RAV4 PRIME XSE last week and now you got a 2024 with PP! That's wild luck... They're great cars like you said. What other add-ons did they make you take besides PP? Are they worth it?
And as a tech guy, loving your content! Please continue making more. Would love to hear your thoughts if you've gotten a roof rack or any load over that pano sun/moonroof.
Hey, thanks man, that really means a lot!
Yeah, it was crazy luck. I did have to pay for a couple of really stupid things that, had I been in a more confrontational mood I probably would have disputed, but it was pretty clear that they were aware of the fact that they were going to sell this vehicle whether or not I was the buyer, and so i took my lumps and swallowed this "Pulse" brake light modification that basically flickers the brake lights to render it more obvious to trailing vehicles, along with an interior leatherette protection agreement for 7 years or something like that. I told him not to apply the compound, just charge me for the warranty, lol.
By my logic, the additions of the premium package were well worth at least a couple thousand dollars more than the asking price anyway, so frankly I was happy to part with just short of $50,000 to have every single thing I was after in the vehicle.
I haven't tried roof racks or anything of the sort yet. In fact, that's one of the options that I had removed from the first Prime I purchased, mostly due to the reported wind noise increase that they result in at higher speeds. I doubt I'll be hauling anything large enough to require that sort of setup, so unfortunately I probably won't do a lot of testing in that regard. There's a surprising amount of cargo space in this sucker anyway, and were it not for the fact that a family of five humans involves three of them sitting in very close proximity in the rear seat, we probably just stick with this 2x Prime setup instead of ever springing for the Highlander. Haha!
Glad you're enjoying the content though, and I appreciate you watching! I'll try to keep pumping it out, and maybe one day it'll pay for a couple of meals per month. 😂
Thank you for making this video. I'm on the fence about waiting for a RAV4 Prime XSE w/ PP or just getting a regular Rav4 Prime XSE. Can you do a comparison of the MPG/MPGe between both Rav4 Primes?
I actually do plan to do that video, but there's a problem: The 2023 RAV4 Prime XSE I own currently has Michelin CrossClimate 2 tires installed, which absolutely do affect fuel economy. So the video is actually probably going to be framed more in context with how much those particular tires affect fuel economy along the exact same route and the exact same conditions.
Nice video! How do you move the passenger seat forward or backward? Is that manually done?
Nope, it's automated, as shown in the video! But only on the PP version of the vehicle.
@@OtherSteve Oh, I thought you showed the passenger seat moving up and down and seat back reclining. Is this a 6-way power seat?
@@OtherSteve It seems like for 2024 they made it into a 6-way adjustable if you're able to adjust the seight height up and down.
@thechosenone236 Oh, now that you mention it, I guess that is technically a six-way, isn't it? That's a cool little bonus feature. Can anyone confirm if it was the same way in the 2023 model?
I wish some would comment on whether there are "motorized power side mirrors" on this 2024 XSE premium package
The reason no one has commented on it is that there are not. The only place you can get the motorized mirrors as far as I know is in Europe. I'm not sure why there is a difference in trim lines but that's just how it is.
@@OtherSteve Thanks! I believe most like you are correct. As my local Toyota dealer was not able to give me a definitive answer; the only "place" gave a 100% assurance of this availability was ChatGPT. It showed how much one can trust the AI based sites.
If you do a quick search on YT, you'll find several videos of where owners have added the power folding mirrors. I was disappointed too when I found out that "power heated mirrors with folding feature" meant the folding is manual. Also wish they were auto-dimming.
Hi,
Just got a white with a premium package. Noticed some strange sound. Do you notice a clunking sound from the break paddle area right before coming to a complete stop? It doesn't do it all the time. Thank you.
I don't...think so. But it does make some uncommon noises when braking occasionally, primarily because (I believe) the hybrid braking system is not a conventional braking system. Also, when hitting a particularly rough spot with one wheel, the vehicle will reliably and briefly emit an alarming-sounding scraping noise that's actually just the hyperactive ABS at work.
TL;DR: It's probably fine
Thank you. Does your infotainment system screen go to the night and day model automatically? My doesn't even after I set the time zone to auto. Thanks.
@nana10221 Yes it does-you will need to make sure the little rotary dial to the left of your steering wheel is not turned all the way to the extreme setting. Doing so forces the daytime setting across all of the infotainment and dash systems.
I'm going to be doing another tips and tricks video pretty soon here with some stuff about this and some other items so keep an eye out for it!
@OtherSteve thank you. If you could talk about all the different sounds coming from the break while inside the car, that would be great also. I know a lot of first time buyer are very worried if these sounds are normal as a first time buyer.
Oof I’m deciding between silver and windchill white as well. Any preference ? I feel like most cars in California are white due to heat and I usually get silver.
I honestly actually think I prefer the white thanks to the two-tone shiny black dynamic. Plus, it's Pearl White, which has that glittery sheen to it. It's pretty striking
My friend who's now seen both prefers the silver. 🤷♂️
Missed the JBL audio unless they do it different and include it in the non PP down there (I’m in Canada)
@@anathma actually yes, they include it in the standard XSE here in the states.
All new redesigned model announced in two months. Better in every way. Don’t buy the old discontinued stock.
No thanks to buying the first revision of an automobile. I wouldn't even consider it until 2026 at earliest, probably 2027.
Assuming 2025 is even a redesign. Am I crazy, or aren't you the same guy who made exactly the same claim a year ago about 2024 models?
@@OtherSteve
No. Toyota is announcing at the auto show in November. Shipping will commence the last quarter of 2025 as a 2026 model. I would never want the old edition of any vehicle. Never worry about the first revision of any Toyota. I think you might be losing it! 😂
I believe it's confirmed that 2025 model will be a carryover from 2024. Will have to wait until 2026 model year to see the brand new design.
@@nana10221
Exactly. The official Toyota product launch announcement is at the LA auto show in November. The RAV4 production supply commences summer 2025 as a 2026 model. ✅
Yeah, I mean, you can wait forever if you convince yourself it's worth waiting. Personally, I have nearly zero complaints about this vehicle, and it's a tried and true long in the tooth model, too. The new tech that was demoed last year has mostly had its kinks worked out, and while I'm sure they'll make improvements for the 2026 model, I'm perfectly happy with all of the stuff in this 2024.
I have the same 2023 silver car xse only got in July 2023. Very cool you were able to upgrade to the PP. I live in Connecticut and now I been seeing more with the PP at dealerships. It would be cool to upgrade to the pp with all those extra features. Some of them should have come with of the regular XSE. I do get a new iPhone every year and I just bought the visions pro but I would need to stick with my XSE without the pp. I bought the car when I just turned 51 so if I go by what my grandfather told me when I was a kid that you keep a car for at least 10 years my next car will have to wait until I'm 61 and hopefully there would be more Tec and I am not to old to figure out how to use them. I also put PPF on the front of the car which was also costly also installed front and back camera. I feel your excitement and I wish you the best with your new toy and would also like to hear about the highlander when you get it.
Hi, do you think $49900 (MSRP with delivery processing and handling) a good deal for a 2024 rav4 prime with premium package? Thanks.
Certainly so I'd say, especially if that's before the lease cash! I paid closer to 55k - 6500 lease cash for mine.
@@OtherSteve thank you. Yes, $49900 is before the lease cash.
@@nana10221that’s an amazing deal. What would be the MSRP? I’m getting about $2700 off MSRP in SoCal and that’s about the best I could do after reaching to many many dealers
My salesman told me that dealer installed items is optional
They are... Unless you find an XSE w/ PP in Kentucky ;-)
Yeah I don't see premium packaged xse ever even in ca.
@@SifuBang yup, sometimes, when fortune smiles upon you, you've just got to take your lumps along with it
The POI items however, are not optional. If they are on the window sticker, they are installed once the vehicle arrives at the port of entry in the US (e.g. Oregon) by the distributor. Could dealers remove them after the vehicle arrives onsite? For things like crossbars and door edge guards, sure, but most will not as technically those accessories are now used and therefore not covered under OEM warranty if resold, which would make them a hard sell for most consumers. But in negotiations, anything is possible.
@autojunkie9947 Most dealers now add their own accessories as well yes at thier dealership, like tracking device services. I negotiated on a Camry once and wouldn't buy it unless they un-installed it.
You got both of those 5k/4k under MSRP. In N. California they are 49k and 53k respectively
Pretty sure prices over there are actually better-but keep in mind, I'm factoring in the Lease Cash backdoor tax credit discount that Toyota offers. I halfway considered flying out to pick one up or possibly having it delivered, but this wasn't originally in the plans. I got the text and had to bite. Over here, they're impossible to obtain 😁
@@OtherSteve prices in SoCal are decent…NorCal, not so much. It’s all stealerships up here
@@PostprandialTorpor that sucks man! I know how you feel. It took me forever to find my first one. And then of course this one literally just fell into my lap. What a crazy 72 hours it's been!
@@OtherSteve Hi, we are hoping to purchase in October, likely having to travel to the East Coast from the Midwest to purchase due to low supply in the Midwest as well. Can you explain the Lease Cash back door tax credit discount, and then how you paid it off. Thinking this may be the way to go!
@@noraclarke oh it's definitely the way to go. It's easy: make sure the $6500 promo is available in the state you purchase... then lease the vehicle instead of purchasing, wait a couple of weeks to receive the lease paperwork from TFS directly in the mail, then contact them and ask for a Lease End Specialist, who will give you the final payoff amount minus fees, which you will *not* owe due to paying early. Write a check, fill out the forms they send you, mail it in, and wait for the title to arrive in the mail (which takes months typically). You will save $5k+ on the vehicle.
Kurt Russell has a Rav4 channel????
Do I sound like Kurt Russell? ;-D